pruébalo
/pɾwebalo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "prove it" is translated into Spanish as pruébalo.
This phrase is used as a request for someone to provide evidence that a statement is true. While pruébalo is a common way to express this, the verb probarlo is primarily used to express "try it" or "taste it" rather than challenging someone to prove something. In informal contexts, you can also use the expression A ver to communicate a challenge to prove something, much like saying "let's see".
What does it mean word for word?
In the word pruébalo, the suffix -lo is an enclitic pronoun meaning "it", referring to a masculine singular object or concept.
Which one should you use?
Additionally, ¡Demuéstralo! is a straightforward way to challenge someone to prove their statement and Demuéstramelo is used specifically to say "Prove it to me".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the imperative form of pruébalo, the object pronoun -lo is attached directly to the end of the verb. This attachment requires an accent mark on the stressed syllable to maintain correct pronunciation.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾwebalo/
Did you know?
- While pruébalo means 'prove it', the related verb probar is also used for trying on clothes in a shop, and the fitting room is called a probador.
- The verb demostrar not only means to prove a fact but is also the standard word for 'showing' or 'displaying' an emotion, such as affection.
- Spanish distinguishes between probar (to test or taste) and demostrar (to logically demonstrate), meaning using pruébalo in a legal context might sound like you are asking someone to sample a product.
Examples in context
- Si realmente sabes la respuesta, demuéstramelo.If you really know the answer, prove it to me.
- Ellos piensan que son los más rápidos, pero a ver si lo demuestran.They think they're the fastest, but let's see if they prove it.
- Afirmas que es verdad, así que pruébalo.You claim it is true, so prove it.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are arguing about a sports score.
- AlejandroMi equipo ganó el partido ayer.My team won the game yesterday.
- ElenaNo puede ser, pruébalo.That can't be, prove it.
- AlejandroMira los resultados en mi teléfono.Look at the results on my phone.
- ElenaTienes razón, Alejandro, ganaron.You are right, Alejandro, they won.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
